Dear Parents/Carers,

With just one day left of this term for the students, it is a good time to reflect on the last ten weeks. For us here at St John's, we are extremely grateful that the term was not disrupted too much by the COVID restrictions, particularly in the fact that we did not need to move back into remote learning. It has been pleasing that we have been able to attend to some quality learning time in the classrooms, and some recent assessments have provided us with good evidence of student learning growth. 

The most disappointing apsect of this term has been the inability to hold events which involve large gatherings of students and parents, especially liturgies and masses. While we have been able to make adjustments to have such things as assemblies, mufti-days and our upcoming 'House Pride Day,' it will be good when we can once again open up the school to family members.

We are hoping to hear soon from health authorities about any changes to the restrictions for Term 4. We will keep you updated about these via Compass notifications.  

House Pride Day

Our Year 6 student leaders and their teachers have organised a 'House Pride Day' for tomorrow, Thursdy 24 September. During the day, the classes will participate in some sport games and activities within their 'house colour.' To help in the spirit of the day, children will be able to wear their sport uniform and a coloured shirt that supports their house.

End of Term 3

You are reminded that this term at St John's concludes for the students on Thursday 24 September. Staff will be involved in a Professional Development Day on Friday 25 September so it will be 'pupil-free.' Term 4 will commence on Monday 12 October.

Thank you for your support of our school community during this term. I feel privileged to work in such a vibrant and friendly community which values the dedication and hard work of the staff. I wish you and your family a safe two-week break. Many of the children are displaying signs that they are tired and in need of a break from the routines of school. We look forward to seeing them return re-emergised next term. 

God bless.

Paul Moroney
Principal

Updated Uniform Policy

This term the staff have been working hard to update the school uniform policy.  This update predominately includes some clarity around the current uniform policy.  The only change to the uniform is that girls will now be able to wear navy pants in Winter as an option, rather than wearing the tunic.

Next term we'll be focusing on improving our uniform standards and ensuring all students are complying with the updated uniform policy.  We will do this by having a weekly focus, where teachers will explicitly teach the expectations and reward the students who are wearing their uniform correctly.  Students will earn house points and the winning house at the end of the term will receive a reward day at school.  

We appreciate that there is a small number of students who (for example) may need to replace their coloured joggers with white ones.  We do not expect you to do this immediately.  Term 4 will be a time of teaching and rewarding, with the expectation that all students will comply with all aspects of the uniform policy in 2021.  If however, your child has the wrong joggers, hairstyle or socks, they will not be able to receive a point for their house when we are teaching this focus area.  We will communicate the weekly focus with you through the newsletter each week.

I want to acknowledge the vast number of students who have always worn their uniform correctly and thank you, as their parents, for supporting the school with this expectation.  Raising the standard of the uniform is something we hope to do in partnership with you, so if at any times you require clarification or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Sports Uniform Days

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week, September 19th - September-25th

Congratulations to the following students who received Good Samaritan Awards this week.

KG - Georgia S

1G - Ronan D

2G - Kash R

3G - 

4G - Hannah B

5G - Brooke H

6G - 

Week 9 - Awards: INFANTS

Flexischools have recently done some updates to their site which has affected some people's interaction with the site. Flexischools have suggested that you clear the cookies , by clicking on the padlock at the very left of address the bar, followed by the cookies button in the dropdown box.  After this, click the remove button until all the cookies have been removed. Finally refresh your browser and try logging in again. 

If your having issues with the APP, uninstall and then reinstall and then try again

Aspire will also be open on the Staff Development Day Friday 25th September, please contact Aspire for more information

ICAS Tests

Due to the unusual year we have had due to COVID the school has made the decision to not participate in ICAS test this year.  Our focus for the remainder of the year is on learning and teaching, as well as student growth for all students.  At this time we plan on participating in ICAS once again in 2021.  Information about these tests will be sent out next year.

Thank you for your understanding

Of an afternoon there is no kiss and drop/pick up area in the car park, Parents must park in the designated car spots and walk into the school to collect their children,

thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this

If your child is away from school it is important to let the school know as soon as possible with a specific reason, e.g. what type of illness they have, If you are filling in a note on the Compass app, please add an explanation in the details/comments box .

It is really important to keep your child at home if they are unwell, this will help with the spread of illness. In the current COVID 19 climate ,if you child displays cold/flu symptoms you will need to get a medical clearance for your child to return to school 

If your child has a covid test, please notify the school when they have the test and as soon as you get your results please forward these on to the school.

Due to COVID restrictions parents are currently not allowed on school grounds. We also need to limit the amount of visitors that come into the office, so please only come into the office if necessary.

  It is important that you let the office know as soon as possible, via email or phone, if you are picking your child up prior to dismissal (including time).  We can then arrange to have them in the office ready for you. Please note we are unable to arrange collection of your children during break times (11.15am-12 & 1.15pm-2pm) without prior notice. Please do not enter late arrivals or early departures into compass, this needs to be done by the school office.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.